Conjuring the Spectral Archer: Getting Started
Finding the Spell Tome
Want to dominate your enemies from a distance? Skyrim’s Bound Bow might be your answer. This ethereal weapon, conjured from pure magical energy, offers a unique and powerful playstyle for any adventurer seeking to master the art of the bow. Forget the hassle of crafting arrows or managing your inventory – the Bound Bow delivers consistent damage and a few extra perks, making it a formidable choice in the harsh world of Skyrim. This guide will delve into the Bound Bow’s strengths, how to obtain it, optimal builds, and tips for maximizing its effectiveness, guiding you to become a master marksman of the arcane.
The first step in wielding the Bound Bow is learning its secrets. You’ll need to acquire the spell tome. Fortunately, it’s not hidden away in some obscure corner of Skyrim.
To get the Bound Bow spell, you’ll typically need to visit vendors who are merchants that sell spell tomes. Check the spell vendors within the College of Winterhold, as they are usually a reliable source. You can also check court wizards, located in the major holds of Skyrim, who may also stock the tome.
Before you can acquire the spell, you might want to increase your character level. Once you hit a level where the book is obtainable you can go and buy it.
Once you have obtained the tome, you’ll need to equip it in your inventory. With the spell equipped, head to a secluded location. You’ll need to cast the spell to conjure the weapon. Cast the spell by pressing the designated button for “cast”. It may take time to get used to the spell casting at first, but with more practice, you will get used to it. The magic cost to cast the Bound Bow spell is not that high, but it does vary depending on your skills and perks.
Advantages of the Bound Bow: A Weapon of Pure Magic
The Bound Bow offers several compelling advantages that set it apart from its physical counterparts.
Unlimited Ammunition
This is the most significant benefit. Unlike traditional bows, the Bound Bow requires no arrows. You can rain down volleys of arrows on your enemies without constantly replenishing your supply. This convenience frees up inventory space and eliminates the tedious chore of arrow crafting or purchasing.
Increased Base Damage
The Bound Bow, especially when enhanced with perks, deals a respectable amount of damage compared to early game bows. This ensures that you are hitting hard from the start, making it a valuable asset during your early game experience.
Automatic Soul Trap Enchantment
Every arrow fired from the Bound Bow comes with the Soul Trap enchantment. This means that upon killing an enemy, their soul will be automatically captured, assuming you have an empty soul gem in your inventory. This feature streamlines the process of enchanting weapons and armor, saving you time and resources. No need to cast the Soul Trap spell manually.
Weightlessness
The Bound Bow is a spectral weapon. Because of this, it doesn’t weigh anything. The benefit of being weightless is a huge one, which means you can carry more in your inventory.
Mastering the Art: Skill Trees and Perks for the Bound Bow
To truly unlock the Bound Bow’s potential, you must invest in the right skills and perks. Two primary skill trees are crucial: Conjuration and Archery.
Conjuration: Enhancing Your Spectral Arsenal
Conjuration governs your ability to summon and control Daedric entities and bound weapons. Here are the key perks to prioritize:
Mystic Binding
This perk, found in the Conjuration skill tree, is essential. Mystic Binding enhances the Bound Bow significantly, increasing its damage output. It’s a must-have perk that boosts your effectiveness in combat.
Bound Weapon
This perk will increases the damage further with your Bound Bow.
Twin Souls
If you are looking to use more bound weapons, Twin Souls allows you to summon two permanent atronachs to assist you in combat, which can prove extremely helpful in certain situations.
Archery: Sharpening Your Aim
Archery, of course, is vital for maximizing your damage output with any bow. Invest in these perks:
Overdraw
The core Archery perk, Overdraw, increases the damage you deal with bows by a percentage. Investing in this perk is crucial for maximizing your damage output.
Critical Shot
This perk gives you a chance to critically strike your enemies, dealing extra damage. The probability increases with each rank, making this perk invaluable for taking down tougher opponents.
Eagle Eye
This perk allows you to zoom in further when aiming your bow, granting you greater accuracy at long ranges. This is important in order to hit your target, as you will be able to hit more targets and do more damage.
Power Shot
Power Shot will knock back your opponents.
Hunter’s Discipline
This perk increases the amount of arrows you can carry.
Crafting Your Arsenal: Build Strategies
There are several ways to build a character around the Bound Bow. Consider the following strategies:
Race Selection: The starting point
While any race can wield the Bound Bow effectively, some races offer natural advantages.
High Elves (Altmer)
High Elves start with a higher base Magicka pool, which is essential for casting the Bound Bow spell. This can give you an early-game advantage. They also have a racial power, Highborn, which regenerates Magicka quickly.
Dark Elves (Dunmer)
Dark Elves are also viable options, with a starting bonus in Destruction magic, which can synergize with the Bound Bow if you decide to use offensive spells as well.
Wood Elves (Bosmer)
Wood Elves excel in archery from the start.
Leveling and Gameplay Strategy: A Path to Victory
The Bound Bow build typically focuses on a balance of conjuration, archery and some form of armor. Here are some general tips for leveling:
Early Game
Focus on leveling Conjuration and Archery. The Bound Bow’s damage will be helpful in the early game, but use the skills to improve your damage output.
Mid-Game
As you level up, you can invest perks into Conjuration and Archery to improve your overall damage and effectiveness.
End-Game
At the late game, you can increase your damage output and the types of armor you would use.
Recommended Armor and Accessories: Enhance Your Abilities
Consider equipment that will enhance your archery and magic skills:
Armor
Light armor is the most common choice for archery builds, due to its lighter weight and the increased movement speed it provides.
Accessories
Rings and amulets can be enchanted to increase your magicka, archery damage, or health regeneration.
The Hunter’s Edge: Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some tips to help you make the most of the Bound Bow:
Cast Quickly
Practice casting the Bound Bow quickly in combat.
Combat with the Bow
Use the bow to create distance, pick off enemies, and control the battlefield.
Know Your Enemies
Learn enemy weaknesses and vulnerabilities to use the Bound Bow to its greatest effect.
Beyond the Basics: Bound Bow Build Alternatives
Consider a hybrid build if you want some variety:
Bound Bow as a Hybrid Build
Combine the Bound Bow with other skills. For example, a combination with one-handed combat offers you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion: The Worthy Weapon
The Bound Bow is a potent weapon in Skyrim, offering unparalleled convenience, respectable damage, and versatile gameplay. Though some may find it less exciting than smithing a legendary dragon bone bow or crafting powerful elemental enchantments on your weapon, its unique characteristics make it a powerful and rewarding weapon to use.
For those seeking a no-nonsense, versatile weapon that offers advantages without requiring an inventory filled with arrows, the Bound Bow is an excellent choice. It’s a weapon that can be adapted to various playstyles, allowing for creativity and control.
Have you tried using the Bound Bow? What are your favorite strategies? Share your experiences!
